It suggests the Prime Minister believes Mr Mitchell should still be in his job today if he was still able to carry out his duties as Chief Whip - a position which requires him to discipline MPs and command their respect.

But Mr Cameron insisted he wasn't going to fire a minister just to meet demands from the press. He said: "The time it takes might be uncomfortable and difficult for politicians and governments ... but in the end, government is about doing the right thing, making the right decision, not just making the easy decision."